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2022 (1) TMI 1389 - AT - SEBIDelay in the initiation of the proceedings by SEBI - AO has skirted the issue on the ground that since the appellant did not act with skill, care and diligence, it proceeded to hold that the appellant cannot be absolved for the lapses incurred by him and accordingly imposed a penalty - HELD THAT:- Admittedly, the inspection was conducted in January / February 2012. Inspection was submitted on May 07, 2012 and a reply was given on June 14, 2012. Thereafter, nothing was done and the show cause notice was eventually issued on December 12, 2019 after 7 ½ years. There has been an inordinate delay in the issuance of the show cause notice. The view taken by the AO is patently erroneous and cannot be allowed to stand. We are of the view, that when a defense is raised by the appellant it is the onerous duty of the AO, as a quasi judicial authority, to deal with the matter instead of skirting the issue and pushing it under the carpet without dealing with it. The ground raised and not dealt with amounts to judicial indiscipline. We are of the view, when a question of delay has been raised, it is imperative for the AO to deal with the issue. In the instant case, we find that there is an inordinate delay in the issuance of the show cause notice. No explanation whatsoever has been given by the respondent as to why the show cause notice could not be issued earlier. In the absence of any justification, we are of the view that the show cause notice was not issued within a reasonable time and, in fact there has been an inordinate delay in the issuance of the show cause notice. We are further of the opinion, that old and stale disputes should not be raised. Thus the impugned order cannot be sustained and is quashed. The appeal is allowed with costs.
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